About this blog

Hi, I am Autumn Crisovan or 丁婉秋,
This blog is about my life as an exchange student in Taiwan, through Rotary Youth Exchange! I am sixteen. I live and go to school in New Taipei! I am from South Bend, Indiana USA. I'm having a lot of fun meeting new people and trying new things! Thanks for reading, enjoy!

Thursday, June 28, 2018

Finally I know where I am going!

Image result for rotary district map of taiwan
My district is 3490 to the far right!
 photo: http://1112.ri3520.org/?page_id=1579






I have waited so long! I finally got the documents that tell me who my host family is, what district I'm in, and what city I'm staying in! I emailed my host mom but Taiwan is 12 hours ahead of us so its no wonder she hasn't responded. I'm so excited I feel like I'm finally back on track!  

This is The Cit I'm staying in! New Taipei City, right outside the capital! photo:https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3328472
Image result for New taipei city taiwan


Monday, June 25, 2018

Finished Pins

I did a post a few months ago about Rotary pin designs, today I (with Willow's help) I made some! I decided to go with the button design because its quick, cheap, and easy. It took me a few tries but I think they turned out really nice. See for yourself:

took me three tries to get the size right

My printed pin design both maps are to scale and the heart is where South Bend is roughly.
My new pin displayed on Willow's decked out Rotary blazer

Wednesday, June 20, 2018

Blogging before you're there?

To be completely honest, its a requirement to blog in my rotary district. However, that doesn't stop people from not writing blog posts. We (all the students going on exchange 2018-2019) wrote a list of reasons to blog, and there were some really good ones. They were things like "lets friends and family know how their student is without making them homesick" or "provides advice for future exchange students." That makes sense: exchange students should blog. But why blog if you haven't even left? The people who are in charge, who watch students come and go, year after year, say its to build the habit. That seems reasonable even if posts are completely irrelevant to exchange. I must admit, the reason I started blogging is that it was required. The reason I kept blogging is that exchange isn't just the year you are there. It is also all the work that goes in beforehand, the work that will help me get through the hard days in Taiwan because I worked too hard to quit. If you are considering being an exchange student, remember; your struggle will be worth telling. You won't regret it.


Sunday, June 17, 2018

Willow's Graduation Party

My family
Today was Willow's graduation party. I think it went really well! It was her idea to have an art gallery setting with her pieces hung up and for sale. She actually made a lot of money! Although she's going to school for civil engineering she sure as a talent for art!

Willow and her piece about youth exchange ;-) 

Saturday, June 16, 2018

Great Lakes

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The beach we went to. creds: https://www.in.gov/dnr/lakemich/ 

One of the best things about living in the Midwest is the great lakes! Sure lake Ire is polluted pretty badly, but the one I'm most familiar with, Lake Michigan, is pretty darn amazing! I spent today there with some friends, and let me tell you there is nothing like a hot day at Lake Michigan! If you are an exchange student coming to the great lakes region, you definitely have something to look forward to!

Friday, June 15, 2018

Summer School

I have officially completed a week of Summer school. Although I like Summer school's intensive learning, it's not fun when there are blue skies and sunshine outside while we're outside learning about the altitude of triangles and writing proofs. This being said, for anyone considering going on exchange I would highly recommend taking summer school. One nice thing about taking Summer school is that you don't have time to forget the material you learn in between quizzes. Also, you get to meet and hang out with people from other schools. If you're a project-oriented person you would probably like the one subject schedule.

Saturday, June 9, 2018

Do you know where you're going yet?

I do not yet know where in Taiwan I'm going. Or any of the details for that matter. When I'm leaving, who my host family is, what district I'm in, or if I have any siblings. None of those questions have been answered. I have friends who found out in where they are going in April! I've got to admit: it's driving me crazy! I'm hoping that I'll hear something soon!

Exchange Cat pouting



















Thursday, June 7, 2018

Willow's graduation

Yesterday was our last day of school, today was my sister, Willow's high school graduation! I would like to give her a shout out, and say: Congratulations Willow, I'm so proud of you! Have fun in your next years of college! If anyone else would like to say something to her, her email is willowcrisovan@gmail.com




Wednesday, June 6, 2018

Zing Japanese Fusion

 Recently I was talking up the restaurants of South Bend, but I should also shine some light on Mishawaka, our neighboring city. Zing is one of those places where the food is better every time you go. I took some pictures of our lunches so you can see for your self.

Forest's Bento Bow lunch with teriyaki Sea scallops (lower left), includes California rolls (upper right), rice, and a delicious shrimp dumpling (upper left corner)

My Bento box lunch with beef negimaki, or scallions wrapped with beef in a sweet sauce. this meal also comes with miso soup and a fresh, crisp salad.

Mom's lunch of salmon rolls with nigiri and sashimi.

Willow and I with the outdoor seating in the background 

Hot tea brews in front of you with the help of a small candle lit under the pot.

Zing's  location has lovely outdoor seating 


Saturday, June 2, 2018

Harness Racing

For my cousin's 18th birthday we went to see live harness racing at Northville Downs because he could officially bet on the horses. I had never been, it was a lot of fun. Harness racing is, unfortunately, becoming a thing of the past as more and more tracks close. Even Northville is closing next year. 
 




Friday, June 1, 2018

"Best Week Ever"

This week was Best Week Ever in South Bend. Pretty much it's a bunch of events scheduled in one week. It involves a parade, the Rebel Art Festival, a block party, the Sunburst run, fireworks, and quite a bit more. I didn't go to all of this, but I did go to the Rebel Art Festival and I went to see the fireworks, both of which were pretty cool. South Bend is introducing new ideas and slowly becoming fun. I remember when half of the downtown area was abandoned buildings. Now there are so many cool places to go downtown. If you are traveling through South Bend try one of the Downtown Restaurants. Each has so much character and personality it's difficult to dislike them. Personally, my favorite is Nom Nom Pho, and I would definitely recommend their Vietnamese cuisine. 

Image result for nom nom pho south bend in
A dish from Nom Nom Pho Creds:http://www.onlyinyourstate.com/indiana/new-restaurants-indiana/

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South Bend Fireworks. Creds:http://sbvpa.org/vpa-blog/best-week-ever/